Each session will last 90 minutes and members of the studio audience will be able to put questions to Mr Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg directly while viewers can submit their own questions in advance online or by email.
The broadcasters each drew lots to determine the order of the debates and the allocation of themes and so:
Debate 1:Thursday April 15th, 20.30 - 22.00
ITV1 (all regions)
Host: Alastair Stewart.
Theme: Domestic affairs.
Debate 2:Thursday April 22nd, 20.00 - 21.30
Sky News (available on Freeview)
Host: Adam Boulton.
Theme: International affairs.
Debate 3:Thursday April 29th
BBC1
Host: David Dimbleby
Theme: Economic affairs.
Televised debates have been a feature of US presidential elections since 1960, but have been blocked in Britain by the failure to reach agreement between the parties. Thanks to overwhelming public response to a campaign launched by Sky News and other media outlets, all three leaders agreed to participate.
These events will be crucial for each leader to get their message across to the voting public – provided that the debates are scheduled in peak viewing time and well publicised.
Should make captivating viewing.
